The covid-19 pandemic has changed our lives in many ways. People are avoiding doctor visits when possible. Hospitals don’t want to schedule elective surgeries. It makes you wonder how everyone is surviving. But if you’re my age, you can remember when people only saw doctors for emergencies. Probably because ordinary people didn’t have health insurance, and there was no Medicare or Medicaid. Antibiotics weren’t available to the public until the late 1940’s. Most everyone had their own ways of dealing with sickness and maintaining good health. Now, these 4 home remedies make a comeback.
1, Vicks VapoRub. , This was the mainstay of any medicine cabinet in the early 20th century. If a child had a cough or the flu, out would come the Vicks. I loved the smell of menthol, and the way it seemed to clear up congestion. The directions for use haven’t changed in 100 years:
“Rub a layer of Vicks VapoRub on your chest and neck only. Drape a warm, dry cloth over your head while you’re sitting upright or standing. Loosen any clothing around your chest and throat so vapors can rise to your nose area. Repeat, if needed, up to three times in a 24-hour period.”
Vicks also relieves arthritis pain and muscle soreness. For me, It works better than some of the newer , menthol based products. It just smells a little bit stronger.
2. Chicken Noodle Soup. My mother didn’t open a can. The soup came in a package of dry mix. To me, it was the best tasting chicken noodle soup in the world. And it really helped. According to WebMd
“Chicken soup appears to help fight colds, according to several studies. It helps clear nasal congestion as well as thin mucus so you can better cough it up. In addition, research shows it may have a mild anti-inflammatory effect than can help ease symptoms”
3. Baking soda. If you read Heloise in the daily newspaper, you know she recommends it for many household tasks. But we used it to relieve heartburn or soothe a canker sore. We also brushed our teeth with soda. . While I keep toothpaste around, I still brush my teeth with baking soda at least once per day. And, I still have my own teeth, with only two fillings. I recommended it to a friend, who said it cured her gingivitis.
4. Neti pots. Were used in ancient yoga practice thousands of years ago. They came back into popular use around 1972. Scientists say that the nasal wash is an effective way to relieve sinus discomfort. When using the neti pot, patients become less reliant on medication. I don’t use a neti pot all year long, but it’s a godsend when my spring and fall allergies kick up. And during the winter, when the air is so dry, I’m apt to use it every day to prevent colds and sinus infections.
When the pandemic is over, the doctor’s offices will once again fill up with coughing, sneezing patients. In the meantime, you may want to fall back on these four old fashioned home remedies.